AFTRS Transforming Futures

Since its inception in 1973, AFTRS has launched the careers of over two thousand film, television, radio and new media professionals – many of whom have gone on to experience success in local and international contexts. 

While at AFTRS students learn the craft of bringing Australian stories to life 'by doing' as they work as real teams on real productions - to deadline and budget - resulting in the production of short films, TVCs, animations and more.

AFTRS track record of success at the Academy Awards®

Since 2002  three AFTRS short films have picked up Academy Award nominations:

• Inja in 2002 - directed by Steve Pasvolsky and produced by Joe Weatherstone 
• Birthday Boy in 2004 - directed by Sejong Park and produced by Andrew Gregory  
• The Saviour in 2006 - directed by Peter Templeman and produced by Stuart Parkyn.

When they graduate AFTRS students are highly sought after for their technical and creative expertise. 

AFTRS is very proud of the part it plays in the creative journeys of its graduates.

 AFTRS  graduate successes in local and international contexts includes:

• Camera d'Or
• Cannes Palme d'Or
• Palme d'Or for Best Short,
• Academy Awards® for Best Cinematography
• Academy Award for Best Screenplay
• Australian Film Institute Awards
  and
• Best Short Fiction at the Sydney Film Festival.

Out of nine nominations, AFTRS graduates have won three Academy Awards®:

• Jane Campion for Best Original Screenplay, The Piano, in 1993
• Andrew Lesnie, for Best Achievement in Cinematography, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, in 2001
• Dion Beebe, for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Memoirs of a Geisha, in 2005.

 AFTRS graduates making their mark

• Oscar®-winner Andrew Lesnie Cinematographer, Babe, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong
• Sue Brooks and Alison Tilson Director and Writer, Japanese Story
• Phil Noyce Director, Newsfront, Rabbit Proof Fence
• Oscar®-winner Dion Beebe Cinematographer, Chicago, Collateral, In the Cut, Memoirs of a Geisha
• PJ Hogan Director and Writer Muriel’s Wedding, My Best Friend’s Wedding 
• Oscar®-winner Jane Campion Director and Writer, The Piano, An Angel at My Table, In the Cut
• Peter Andrikidis Director, Grass Roots
• Robert Marchand Director, The Potato Factory
• Amanda Higgs Producer The Secret Life of Us 
• Alex Proyas Director, The Crow, I Robot 
• Rolf de Heer Director, Ten Canoes, The Tracker, Alexandra’s Project
• Gillian Armstrong Director, My Brilliant Career, Oscar and Lucinda, Charlotte Gray 
• Rowan Woods Director, Little Fish
• Cate Shortland Director, Somersault

Go to PLAYRED and watch an AFTRS production now!

Go to Success Stories to find out what some of our grads are currently up to

Visit the AFTRS Network site - home to a swag of AFTRS alumni.